Resume Guidelines

• Limit to one printed page. A two-page resume is only acceptable when you have a lot of experience to emphasise, and even then it may be too much for an employer to browse.
• Maintain a consistent writing style.
• Don't use "I" or "my."
• You may use complete or fragmented sentences as long as the meaning is clear and style is consistent.
• Use present tense verbs when referring to current activities. Use past tense verbs when referring to past activities.
• Use numbers, where appropriate, to quantify the scope of involvement. When expressing numbers, write out all numbers between one and nine, but use numerals for all numbers 10 and above. If you begin a sentence with a number, always write it out.
• Don't include personal information such as marital status.
• Include a brief explanation of an organisation in your description if its name is obscure.
• Use action words, verbs, adverbs, and adjectives in your descriptions.
• Be concise and clear in your descriptions.
• Make sure that you have no typing, spelling, or grammar errors. Check for periods at the end of all full sentences, be consistent with your punctuation, avoid using exclamation points, and capitalise all proper nouns.
• Do not use abbreviations or acronyms unless you define them.
• Be consistent. For example, if your headings are in bold type, all headings should be in bold. Each entry should follow a uniform format.
• Spell check. But remember that spell check doesn't catch everything (i.e. affect and effect are different words and mean different things). Have someone else proofread your resume and check out our Resume Proofreading Checklist for some specific tips.
• Don't use words that you are not familiar with, and use a dictionary as you write.
• Use jargon and terms specific to the industry in your resume.
• Don't overcrowd your resume.
• Choose a font that is easy to read, no larger than 14 point and no smaller than 10 point.
• In most cases, a cover letter should be attached to your resume.
• Print final copies of your resume on quality paper. Use the same colour and type of paper for resume, cover letter, and envelope.
• Double check everything. Especially dates of employment, your address and phone number, and the information of the potential employer.
• Keep your contact information current. Reprint your resume if you move or get a new phone number or email address.